A report released by Excelencia in Education revealed that Latino students have made significant progress in college degree attainment, accounting for 79% of the overall 4% increase over the last five years. Despite this advancement, Latinos still lag behind other groups, with only 27% earning an associate degree or higher in the 2021-22 academic year, compared to 44% of other Americans. Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, emphasized the importance of increasing the number of Latinos earning college degrees to meet the country’s workplace and labor goals.
The report highlighted that Latino college students are predominantly first-generation students, with many relying on financial aid to fund their education. While nearly half qualify for and receive federal Pell Grants, only a quarter of Latino students take out federal student loans, representing one of the lowest borrowing rates among all ethnic and racial groups. Additionally, Latino students have the highest labor force participation rate of any group, but they are often overrepresented in low-paying industries.
Where Latino students attend college is also crucial, with Hispanic-Serving Institutions educating over 60% of Latino students in the U.S., despite making up just 20% of all colleges and universities. Institutions that have earned Excelencia’s Seal of Excelencia, which recognizes programs that support Hispanic student success, are shown to graduate Latino students at a higher rate than other educational institutions. These programs focus on helping Hispanic students enroll, stay, and complete college successfully.
Excelencia in Education’s analysis underscores the importance of increasing Latino college degree attainment to ensure a bright future for America’s workforce. The organization partners with institutional leaders committed to accelerating Latino student success in higher education, leading to positive outcomes for both individuals and the nation as a whole. By addressing the unique challenges faced by Latino students, such as financial constraints and representation in low-paying industries, progress can be made towards closing the degree attainment gap.
Despite the progress made by Latino students in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure equitable access to higher education and support for degree completion. By recognizing the achievements and challenges faced by Latino students, organizations like Excelencia in Education can continue to advocate for policies and programs that promote Latino student success in colleges and universities across the country. Through targeted efforts to support Latino students, including financial aid assistance and access to supportive programs, the educational landscape can become more inclusive and diverse, benefiting both individual students and society as a whole.
